Aggregator

Updated after periodic review with minor edits.  Last updated June 18, 2024.

Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

Advisory Summary:  Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists. Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations.

If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic, note that violent crime is a concern throughout the country affecting all residents regardless of nationality, including:

• Robbery
• Homicide
• Sexual assault

Resources available to tourists:

• 911 emergency response system
• Professional tourist police force (POLITUR)
• Private security personnel in resorts

Safety tips:

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention.
• Be vigilant about where your phone is and avoid using it openly on the street.
• If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting.
• Travel with a partner or group if possible.
• Do not leave food or drinks unattended.

Criminals are rarely caught and prosecuted.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Review the Country Security Report for the Dominican Republic.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

Follow the Department of State on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel.

On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.

Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats.

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently throughout the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turn violent.

Do not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders due to:

• Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups
• Armed conflict
• Aerial bombardment
• Civil unrest

U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria, where they would face extreme personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, and expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has stated it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the Iraq-Syria border. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines. Read the Syria Travel Advisory for more information.

Because of security concerns, U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Iraq.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iraq.

If you decide to travel to Iraq:

• Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
• Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to contact you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Iraq.
• Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Advisory summary: Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

There are outbreaks of chikungunya in Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya. Country List : Réunion (France), Mayotte (France), Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Kenya, Madagascar

Updated to reflect lower travel advisory level for some provinces in Thailand.  

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution to:

• Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Thailand.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Review the Country Security Report for Thailand.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat Provinces – Level 2:  Exercise Increased Caution

Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents has been known to occur in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat.  Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict.  There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.                 

Exercise normal precautions in Poland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland.

If you decide to travel to Poland:                                  

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Poland.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Depression is a worldwide epidemic on track to become second only to cardiovascular disease in terms of global disease burden. […]

The post FSU Ph.D. student enriches understanding of global science and depression through Fulbright Fellowship appeared first on Florida State University News.

An international research collaboration featuring scientists from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory discovered […]

The post FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers discover universal law of quantum vortex dynamics appeared first on Florida State University News.

Updated after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Qatar.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar.  This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region.  The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Qatar.

If you decide to travel to Qatar:

• Keep travel documents up-to-date and easy to access.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts from the Embassy and make it easier for us to contact you in an emergency.
• Read the Country Security Report for Qatar.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
• You should make a safety plan for emergencies. Read the Traveler’s Checklist.
• It is a good idea to buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Florida State University’s College of Music is set to make history as it hosts the 2025 International Society of Bassists […]

The post FSU’s College of Music to host International Society of Bassists Convention for its Southeast debut   appeared first on Florida State University News.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Australia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Australia.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Chari Arespacochaga, Florida State University School of Theatre associate professor and director of the MFA Directing Program, will return to […]

The post FSU Theatre professor to direct sold-out production of “Into the Woods” in the Philippines appeared first on Florida State University News.

Updated to add risk indicator for kidnapping.

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to these areas due to crime: 

• Anywhere within 160 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. This restriction does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park. 
• Informal housing developments, such as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, at any time.
• Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” at night. This includes Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa.
  

Country Summary: Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night. There was a kidnapping for ransom of U.S. travelers. Gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims. U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night.

If you decide to travel to Brazil:  

• Stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers and always watch your drinks. 
• Use caution when walking or driving at night. 
• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone. 
• Avoid walking on beaches after dark. 
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. 
• Be alert to date drug scams.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. 
• Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night. Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil. 
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas. 
• Develop a communication plan with family, employer, or host organization so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Brazil. 
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States. 
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. 

International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Given security risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel within 160 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is allowed. 

Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 

Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as favelas, vilas, comunidades or conglomerados) – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Given crime concerns, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel to informal housing developments in Brazil.

Do not travel to informal housing developments, even on guided tours. Neither tour companies nor police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities. Even in areas that police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly. While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries, other such areas may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, impoverished conditions, or irregular construction. Exercise caution near these communities as gang fighting and police clashes sometimes move beyond the confines of these areas.

Check the Safety and Security Section on the country information page and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for details about favelas. 

Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas. 

Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Given crime risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 

Reissued after periodic review with a change in level.

Some areas have increased risk. Consider crime and limited medical services. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• High crime areas, described in detail below.

Country Summary: While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common. U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from using public buses and from driving between cities at night.

Victims of crime
The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.

Medical care
U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs and are not always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain.

We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Air ambulance service to the United States can range from $30,000-$50,000.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid remote places.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.

Specific areas of Jamaica – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are prohibited from traveling to certain areas. The off-limits zones for U.S. embassy personnel within each parish are listed below.

• Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios.

St. Catherine’s Parish - Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford.

Clarendon Parish - all of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth.

Hanover Parish - Logwood and Orange Bay.

St. James Parish/Montego Bay - Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park.

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.

Manchester Parish - Green Vale and Gray Ground neighborhoods of Mandeville.

St. Thomas Parish - Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway.

Trelawny Parish - Clarks Town.

Westmoreland Parish - Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Advisory Summary: Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.

• Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:
  • Airports
  • Subways and train cars
  • Tourist attractions
  • Train stations
• Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
• Possible targets include:
  • Tourist locations
  • Transportation hubs and airports
  • Markets and shopping malls
  • Local government facilities
  • Hotels, restaurants, and clubs
  • Places of worship
  • Major sporting and cultural events
  • Educational institutions
  • Parks
  • Other public areas
• Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France.
  • Protests can disrupt transportation services.
  • On rare occasions, protests have turned violent or caused property damage.
  • Police may respond with water cannons and tear gas.

Tips for travel to France:

• Stay alert at tourist locations and crowded public places.
• Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Find a safe place to stay and shelter in place if you are unable to leave the immediate area of a demonstration.

If you decide to travel to France:

•  Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for France.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Updated to reflect information on demonstrations and ongoing physician shortage. 

Exercise normal precautions when traveling to the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea). 

Advisory summary: Large-scale demonstrations related to the domestic political situation may occur with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. North Korea continues to conduct missile launches and other military activities that may increase tensions. Travelers should monitor local developments and remain vigilant. The South Korean government conducts civil emergency drills throughout the year.

Read the country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea. Please note that consular services, including passport services, are not available at the U.S. Consulate in Busan; they are only available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Review the Country Security Report for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.   
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.    
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Malta.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malta.

If you decide to travel to Malta:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Malta.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghanistan, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo , Senegal, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Togo, Yemen, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Mauritania, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso, Türkiye (Turkey), United Arab Emirates, Burundi, Romania, Malaysia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Austria, Belarus, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Marino, Guinea, Kenya, Monaco, United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Belgium, Ireland, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Niger, Thailand, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, Sudan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla (U.K.), Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Azores (Portugal), The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda (U.K.), Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.), Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Canada, Canary Islands (Spain), Cape Verde, Cayman Islands (U.K.), Chile, China, Christmas Island (Australia), Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia), Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands (New Zealand), Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Easter Island (Chile), Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands (Denmark), Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora), Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Gibraltar (U.K.), Greece, Greenland (Denmark), Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam (U.S.), Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, , Honduras, Hong Kong (China), Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, Italy, including Holy See and Vatican City, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands), includes Tarawa, Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), and Banaba (Ocean Island), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau (China), Madagascar, Madeira Islands (Portugal), Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique (France), Mauritius, Mayotte (France), Mexico, The Federated States of Micronesia (Including Yap Islands, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae), Mongolia, Montserrat (U.K.), Morocco, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, including Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten, The Netherlands, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue (New Zealand), Norfolk Island (Australia), North Korea, North Macedonia, Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.), including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Pitcairn Islands (U.K.), Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico (U.S.), Qatar, Réunion (France), Rwanda, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena (U.K.), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (U.K.), South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tokelau (New Zealand), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Wake Island, U.S., Zambia, Zimbabwe

Updated to reflect information on driving at night and addition of the terrorism risk indicator. 

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. 

Advisory summary: Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging. There are also "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles. Violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark. Kidnapping is a threat in South Africa. Kidnappers target U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money. Captors often force victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before they are let go. Though rare, some kidnappings involve demanding ransom from families. 

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in South Africa. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.  

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. They can: 

• Start suddenly 
• Interrupt traffic, transportation, and other services 
• Turn violent 

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in South Africa must obtain special authorization to travel to many informal settlements (townships) in and around Cape Town. U.S. mission staff must use fully armored vehicles when visiting and visiting hours are limited to 10:00 -15:00 weekdays only.  

If you decide to travel to South Africa:

• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.  
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.  
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.  
• Follow local authority instructions. 
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. 
• Avoid visiting informal settlements (townships) unless you are with someone familiar with the area. 
• Avoid driving outside of metropolitan areas at night, due to road hazards such as animals, broken down vehicles, and the potential to become a victim of crime.  
• Stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Stay alert in tourist spots. 
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to South Africa.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:  

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Review the Country Security Report for South Africa.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.  
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.  
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. 

Twenty-two Florida State University students will study around the world this summer through the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship […]

The post Latest cohort of high-achieving FSU Gilman Scholars set to study abroad this summer appeared first on Florida State University News.